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Improving Adult Literacy Instruction: Developing Reading and Writing
Presents an overview of what is known about how literacy develops the component skills of reading and writing, and the practices that are effective for developing them. Also describes principles of reading and writing instruction that can guide those who design and administer programs or courses to improve adult literacy skills. Read More
Getting Started, Moving Forward with the CCRS Writing Standards
These two handouts provide nine reading-writing tasks that incorporate close readings of informative or narrative texts and writing production of sentences, paragraphs, or essays. Read More
Common Core State Standards – Appendix C: Samples of Student Writing
The writing samples in this resource reflect the three types of writing required by the standards. Each sample is clearly annotated with descriptors pulled from the language of the standards. These samples were generated from a variety of conditions including in-class or homework tasks, on-demand assessment or research projects. Read More
What is Evidence-Based Reading Instruction and How Do You Know It When You See It?
A report from the Division of Adult and Career Education (DACE) in Los Angeles, CA. Part I defines evidence-based reading instruction (EBRI); Part II offers scenarios of EBRI in ABE; Part III is an EBRI case study; and Part IV makes recommendations for EBRI implementation. Read More
Vocabulary Instruction for STAR/EBRI Volunteers
This handout describes what STAR/EBRI volunteers “need to know” about evidence-based and explicit vocabulary instruction. It also clarifies how they can build or expand students’ Tier Two or academic vocabulary knowledge and usage. Read More
Vocabulary – Challenges & Possible Solutions
Common vocabulary instructional challenges and solutions developed by Minnesota STARs and Trainers. Read More
The Value of Reading Instructional Routines
This PDF resource describes the value of instructional routines, recognizes their variability, and provides a model for regular, intentional, and effective lessons. Read More
THE SOURCE: A Curriculum Guide for Reading Mentors
This resource from Just Read, Florida! was developed for teachers or volunteers working with children; however, sections of Part 1, Ideas for Building Readers, may be very useful for adult alphabetics instruction. Read More
The Role of Vocabulary Instruction in Adult Basic Education
The author of this chapter analyzes research and theories about vocabulary acquisition, reading comprehension, and their inter-relationship. She presents proven practices for vocabulary instruction and makes other recommendations for research and policy. Read More
Additional Fluency Resources
These Comprehension resources are also useful for Fluency instruction: * Britannica School Elementary offers non-fiction articles related images, videos, maps, and learning games * The Change Agent includes leveled student-written articles, discussion topics, and lesson plans * The Times in Plain English contains free, leveled articles about current world and national news or events * Center for Adult Literacy Text Library offers over 1600 leveled texts on a range of topics Read More